visible

[viz-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. that can be seen; perceptible to the eye.

   mountains visible in the distance.

   Synonyms: discernible

2. apparent; manifest; obvious.

   a man with no visible means of support.

   Synonyms: evident, discernible

3. being constantly or frequently in the public view; conspicuous.

   a visible political position.

4. noting or pertaining to a system of keeping records or information on cards or sheets in such a way that the desired reference can be brought instantly to view.

   a visible index.

5. Commerce.

   1. available or accessible; already existing, as goods in a warehouse or in transit as opposed to goods in production.

      visible supply.

   2. involving actual goods that have been recorded or accounted for.

      visible trade.

6. prepared or converted for visual presentation; represented visually.

visible

/ ˈvɪzɪbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being perceived by the eye

2. capable of being perceived by the mind; evident

   no visible dangers

3. available

   the visible resources

4. (of an index or file) using a flexible display system for the contents

5. of or relating to the balance of trade

   visible transactions

6. represented by visible symbols

noun

1. a visible item of trade; product

Other Word Forms

• visibleness noun
• visibly adverb
• nonvisible adjective
• nonvisibly adverb
• previsible adjective
• previsibly adverb
• unvisible adjective
• unvisibleness noun
• unvisibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of visible¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin vīsibilis, from vīs(us) “seen” ( vision ) + -ibilis -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of visible¹

C14: from Latin vīsibilis, from vidēre to see

Example Sentences

While we’re talking about musicians, let’s discuss the actors who play the E Street Band in those few minutes they are visible.

Read more on Salon

It was so absurd that at one point, reliever Justin Wrobleski looked up and noticed that the innings he pitched in—the sixth and seventh—were no longer visible on the scoreboard.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

City officials acknowledge crime incidents had become more visible and volatile.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The government confronts a cluster of catastrophes on the very topic that is arguably the most visible state failure they are trying to deal with: small boat crossings.

Read more on BBC

The corona, visible during total solar eclipses, can exceed one million degrees Celsius -- hot enough to propel charged particles outward as the solar wind that fills our solar system.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• clear 
• conspicuous 
• detectable www.thesaurus.com
• discernible 
• distinguishable 
• evident 
• noticeable 
• obvious 
• palpable 
• striking 
• unmistakable